1862. In Lady Audley_s Secret, Lucy, a governess without family, is loved by Sir Michael Audley, a rich landowner of Audley Court, Essex, and marries him even though some consider her an adventuress. George Talboys went to Australia in search of gold and returns after many years with money intended to make his wife happy. But when he encounters his old friend Robert Audley, nephew of Sir Michael, he finds that his beloved wife is no longer alive. These two unrelated events come together after George goes missing and Robert begins an investigation. See other Braddon works available from Kessinger Publishing.